Rory McIlroy shared the unusual mental tactic he used during the Masters final round to secure his long-awaited victory.
Many noticed Rory McIlroy’s cold demeanor toward Bryson DeChambeau during the final round of the Masters. No words, no eye contact—just silence. What puzzled fans and DeChambeau alike was actually a calculated mental strategy, as McIlroy revealed in a recent podcast.
Heading into the final round with a two-shot lead, McIlroy faced immense pressure. Not only was he vying for his first Major win since 2014, but also for the elusive career Grand Slam. The challenge was intensified by the fact that he was paired with DeChambeau, a fan favorite and the man who had beaten him at the previous year’s U.S. Open.
Advice from Bob Rotella shaped McIlroy’s approach
To prepare mentally, McIlroy turned to renowned sports psychologist Bob Rotella. While confident in his game, McIlroy was concerned about the crowd’s support for DeChambeau and their contrasting playing styles. Rotella’s advice was clear: block Bryson out completely. No talking, no looking, no reacting. McIlroy was to stay in his own mental tunnel, focusing solely on his caddie Harry Diamond and his own game.
Shaky start, crucial birdies
The strategy was tested early. McIlroy’s lead slipped after a rough start, and he briefly lost the top spot. But in a pivotal stretch, he regained control with key birdies while DeChambeau faltered with bogeys. McIlroy later said this turnaround was likely the deciding moment of the day. Once he managed to suppress his concerns about DeChambeau, his focus sharpened: “From that point on, the only thing in my way was myself.”
Staying present and composed became his greatest challenge—and ultimately, his greatest triumph. Though DeChambeau didn’t prevail, McIlroy still had to outlast Justin Rose in a playoff, where he showcased remarkable nerve to clinch the win.
DeChambeau, for his part, was visibly confused by McIlroy’s behavior, commenting after the round, “He didn’t say a word to me today.”
Looking back, McIlroy says he wouldn’t change a thing. In fact, he hopes to feel that same intensity again—because it means he’s once more playing for something truly meaningful.
Perseverance personified.
Wearing his Green Jacket, Rory McIlroy reflected on his journey to becoming a Masters champion. #themasters pic.twitter.com/E8Lt5yHLhV